For the uninitiated, tubular mascaras are pretty similar to regular mascaras – but with some crucial differences.
Instead of coating your lashes like regular mascaras, a tubing formula creates a ‘tube’ around your lashes. Once the mascara has dried, it won’t budge until you gently pull the coating off with warm water.
They can withstand laps in the pool, a sweaty gym-sesh and even The Notebook (the definitive test of cry-proof).
And if you won’t take our word for it, Zoë Foster Blake swears by them too.
Here’s a round up of six of the best tubular mascaras available in Australia.
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CLINIQUE Lash Power Mascara
We say: Keeping mascara where it belongs: on the lashes. This smudge-proof formula will resist rain, pool water, humidity and even tears.
So cry, swim and dance in the rain all the while maintaining your perfectly fanned-out lashes.
You say: “This mascara does not smudge at all. I can ear this all day long and it stays on un-smudged. It doesn’t flake or clump.” – Jordannaleigh
Want to know more? Read CLINIQUE Lash Power Mascara reviews here…
Revlon Mega Multiplier Mascara
We say: Revlon’s tube mascara uses buildable fibres and 360-degree tubes to give ultimate volume and length. Plus, the thickening brush has been designed to coat each lash for the ‘false lash’ effect.
You say: “I love it. Stays exactly where it should (no panda eyes) and lasts all day. Some days it looks even better than it did in the morning. No flaking or smudging and comes of easily at the end of the day using makeup remover wipe” – Vee
Want to know more? Read Revlon Mega Multiplier Mascara reviews here…
M·A·C Extended Play Gigablack Lash
We say: Lasting up to 16 hours, this lightweight mascara will curl and lift, while the petite gripping applicator uses micro-spheres to completely coat each hard-to-reach lash, giving them all extreme volume.
You say: “ It’s long wearing, it doesn’t smudge or flake, it doesn’t irritate my sensitive eyes, the petite slimline applicator makes it easy to coat every lash, and it’s easy to remove with warm water!” – Rose_P
L’Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes Excess Mascara
We say: If you despise the clumpy lashes look, listen up. L’Oréal’s anti-clump brush, combined with its ultra-fluid formula, ensures lashes will each be coated individually and never stick together, no matter how many layers you apply.
You say: “The formula goes on smooth, no dragging. The addition of an anti-sticking ingredient makes it possible to apply several coats without worrying about lashes starting to stick together” – Miss Danger
Want to know more? Read L’Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes Excess Mascara reviews…
jane iredale PureLash Mascara
We say: This 5 star-rated mascara gives natural length to your lashes, while the panthenol-infused formula keeps them soft and conditioned.
You say: “This mascara has a dense black colour and it can be beautifully built up to create incredible long false-eyelash looking lashes or just one coat can be applied for a more natural look.” -clearcrystalwater
Want to know more? Read jane iredale PureLash Mascara reviews here…
Woohoo! DB has one. Way to go for affordable options.
This sounds so interesting and nerve racking
I’m thinking I need a little trip to Mecca this weekend for Kevyn Aucoin, my lashes definitely need a little RNR from regular mascara
I have not tried any of these tubular mascaras. The description of each sound excellent.
I highly recommend Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara. Since using it, I've never experienced a panda eye, either whilst wearing it or when I wake up the next morning. Washes easily off, but stays on all day, right where it should be, only on the lashes. Will never return top a regular mascara.
I love how easy they are to remove at the end of the day.
The only tubular mascara that didn't smudge was clinique lash power and high impact curling. But they don't really lift
Eye of Horus BioLash Mascara is also great – I really like the wand it has for apllication
I haven't tried any of these mascaras before, I haven't seen them either.
I also tried the MCoBeauty XtendLash. I didn’t like it much. My favourite mascara is MAC Extendplay Gigablack
I tried the Kevyn Aucoin, and I absolutely LOVE it! It’s very expensive, at $43, but it does last for a long time, and you do get what you pay for.
I didn't know the Revlon Mega and L'Oreal Million were tubular formulas! Where have I been living – under a rock? The Clinique Lash Power is a classic and amazing.
I enjoy using a tubular mascara, my favourite so far is the DB Cosmetics Curl one
I don't know if I've tried a tubing mascara or not
Mirinesse is still my favourite tubing mascara so easy to remove and I love the gold packaging too.
I would also like to add Japanese mascaras
Centre Stage Curl & Volume Mascara (Blackest-Black): hands down, never let me down in sweatiest and most active situations…hours on end. Ya, stuff is magic. Best part: lengthens (so tired of stumpy thick look, love loong feathery effect this one gives)
MAC one Sam loves (her lashes are insanely great naturally) and will test it one day when I am out of mascaras (that work). DB don't go, just great budget quality and non irritating formula (no nasties!)
Im using the Million lashes at the moment but was unaware it was a tubular mascara….hhmm
My goodness JLo looks stunning in that photo
Sounds good, haven't tried tubular mascara yet
I LOVE tubular mascaras so great article for me to read!! I do have three of those featured there in centrestage of my dresser! Loved reading about the others.
I have 3 mascaras on the go ATM so I'll have to put this on my wish list.
Never have tried tubular mascaras before.
I always use ordinary Waterproof Mascaras but when I need a new mascara I will look at buying L'Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes Excess Mascara.
I would try any of these but the Clinique one looks especially good.
The only tubing mascara I’ve tried is from Blinc, which I quite liked – might have to try the DB one that seems to be popular!
Not heard of it before but good to find about about something new
I’ve tried the Eyeko brand. Not blown away. But I’m surprised to see that I’ve got a couple of those mascaras in my stash.
I didn't realise Clinique Lash Power was a tubing mascara! I've tried it & I thought it was only average, at best.
Yup agreed, DB Cosmetics Centre Stage mascara is one of the best mascaras I've used!
I've tried a couple of tubing mascaras and hated them, can't remember the brands though
Thanks for the info. Haven't tried tubular mascaras before.
I like both the Clinique Lash Power and the DB Centre Stage. Great mascaras that work well for me.
Db all the way and you save money too.
I tried a Blinc one a while ago, I wasn't overly impressed. It didn't add much length to my lashes 🙁
I've given up using mascara – sensitive eyes
I've never heard of tubing mascara before. I rarely use it these days as I have eyelid psoriasis.
I'll buy whichever one is guaranteed to hold a curl. My lashes always tend to go dead straight instead of staying curled up!
Really want to try the MCO one from Woolworths. Will wait until they have their next sale
That’s been my experience too, but admit i haven’t tried the ones listed here.
Thanks Pixiealso this is really helpful info. I also worried they'd be hard to remove.
Yes The MCO looks good, I want to try the Glow foundation too, the one Celeste Barber likes, since then the shade i want is always out of stock now
I have A DB cosmetics one in a pink tube that is amazing
Yes, yes, yes, I love Clinique's Lash Power mascara. It goes on so easily, covers well, and stays on.
I have still yet to try a tubing mascara.
Interesting…
I hardly wear mascara these days.
I never heard of these tubular mascaras. I like to try them as it is easy to remove with warm water.
How do you tell tubular mascara from normal mascara, the packaging looks all the same to me and they have different names :/
I got a Mecca gift voucher for Mother’s Day, and I purchased an Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara. It’s absolutely fantastic! Expensive at $44, but worth it for the quality!
Yes, that was the original and probably still the best.
I've recently moved to a tubular mascara (Mirenesse organic 24hr) and all I can say is where has this stuff been all my life!